“My Teacher, Remembering Marcel Moyse” is a narrative of 54 individual  stories about famous flute teacher/performer, Marcel Moyse. The stories, occurring in the Midwest, Vermont, Europe and California, flow  effortlessly from the author’s first meeting with Mr. Moyse in 1967 until his death in 1984.

 Stories in the book include descriptions of Mr. Moyse’s childhood in St. Amour, France, his audition at Paris Conservatory, work as an
accomplished musician and performer, scenes from his marriage,  experiences during both world wars, his move to the United States and role in helping found the Marlboro Music Festival.

 “My Teacher” begins with Susan Fries’ earliest experiences with Mr. Moyse when she was a young mother and teacher at Oberlin Conservatory, Ohio. As reviewer Roberta Carasso writes, “Fries did not realize then that Moyse would become her teacher, mentor, and inspiration for the rest of her life. To this day, the Master lives on, an integral part of Fries’ teaching, performing, and soul of her life.”

 Carasso continues, “At nine, [Moyse] took up the flute, and in 1913 he first toured the USA accompanying the legendary Australian soprano Nellie Melba. He went on to become first flutist in most of the prestigious French orchestras and played under such musical giants as Richard Strauss, Bruno Walter, Wilhelm Furtwangler, Arturo Toscanini and Sergei Prokofiev. From the 1920s to the 1940s, Moyse was the most recorded of all French flutists, becoming a Professor of Flute at the Paris Conservatory.

 “Moyse’s life spanned two world wars, and calamities on several  continents, but he never veered from his art and never ceased from  making sublime music. Despite what was happening around him, his  ebullient disposition, witty humor, and dedication to music and his  fellow human being, Moyse was always an example of the best that a  person could be. With his wife Mimi at his side for 61 years, the master flutist knew and performed with the world’s greatest musicians. Fries, like family, was privileged to be part of or know about these memorable events.”

 “My Teacher” also contains many stories from flute and woodwind classes that Susan attended from 1967 to 1981. These engaging vignettes include personal reminiscences, stories and jokes that Mr. Moyse told to inspire students, help them relax and ultimately play at levels they were unaware they could attain. The stories are filled with warmth, passion and humor.

 At 174 pages, in hard cover and paperback, “My Teacher” includes
numerous quotes from Mr. Moyse, as well illustrations, cartoons and
treasured photos. This unusual book with its insights, life lessons and wisdom from a great musician appeals to students, professionals and the public.

From the December 2007 issue

 This wonderful little book is a combination of personal remembrances, quotations, portraits, musical advice, and stories told at lessons and master classes taught by the great flutist and pedagogue, Marcel Moyse. Also, included as section dividers are a number of poignant aphorisms, quotations, and one-liner words of musical wisdom that all flute players will be able to relate to. Perhaps the most delightful aspect of this little gem of mementos is the use of many humorous line drawing sketches, intimate photos of the master, caricatures, cartoons and examples of his many books of teaching materials.

 All of us who had the opportunity to study with or attend the Brattleboro, Vermont seminars of this remarkable giant of flute playing and teaching have our own little book of notes in the margins of music performed the comments, suggestions, and observation of this remarkable man. Each may have heard or remember the story  a bit differently or may have interpreted his words to fit our own needs or we may have not even understood him clearly from his heavily accented English, but none who encountered him were not influenced, guided, or moved by his intensity and devotion to the perfection of the musical line and the expressive possibilities of the flute. His devoted student, Susan Fries, has captured the essence of his spirit, the kernel of his thought, and the manner in which he approached the flute,  his pupils and life. This special publication is a heartfelt and personal homage to Moyse that most flutists will appreciate, savor, and return to for inspiration.  J.E.P.